Although he did not score, it was a positive 90 minutes. Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) showed sharp form, raising expectations ahead of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) North and Central America World Cup.
LAFC defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 on the 25th (Korean time) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, U.S., in the 15th round of the 2026 U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS). With three more points, LAFC moved up to fifth with a 7-3-5 record (24 points), while Seattle, which has played two fewer matches (24 points), sits sixth.
The match was important for both the team and Son Heung-min because it was the final match before the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup. For LAFC, it was an opportunity to end a four-match official losing streak, enter the break, and lay the groundwork for a second-half turnaround; for Son Heung-min, it was a chance to break his long scoring drought and join the Hong Myung-bo-led squad, which has set up a precamp in Salt Lake City, U.S.
Son Heung-min did not hide his desire to score. "Of course I want to score," he said emphatically, and unlike previous matches where he focused on unselfish play, he concentrated on aiming directly at goal. He looked to target the opponent's goal more than ever. Having failed to score in 12 MLS matches since the season opener, his determination to net his first league goal was evident.
In the end, the long-awaited first goal from Son Heung-min did not come. Son attempted five shots in the first half and seven overall in 90 minutes, leading LAFC's attack, but luck did not favor him. In particular, a half-beat-early shot inside the box in the 32nd minute of the second half was stopped by a superb save from the opposing goalkeeper, leaving him to swallow his disappointment.
Still, Son Heung-min looked noticeably lighter in condition than before. His penetrating runs using quick feet and his threatening shots stood out. MLS-focused podcast "MLS Moves" also noted, "Son Heung-min showed flashes of brilliance in attack, and Deni Buanga struggled to carry the attack."
He clearly looked to be in better condition. The host of MLS Moves said, "Son Heung-min was explosive. He may have had lingering minor injuries, but he has been performing well all season. He doesn't care what anyone says. Son Heung-min has 16 assists this season. He has been an incredible ball supplier. In this match he seemed to have his speed back. He was much more threatening."
Welcome news for Korea soccer fans: South Korea national team captain Son Heung-min is expected to play in his fourth World Cup at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, which is about three weeks away. Considering he is 34, this could well be his "last dance."
Son Heung-min is preparing for the World Cup with a particularly determined mindset. His move to LAFC last summer was greatly influenced by the World Cup. Recently he said, "I came to the U.S. because the World Cup is in the U.S., but I'm a bit surprised to be playing in Mexico. The biggest advantage is that I could be in much better condition than other players at the training camp. That was the part I focused on the most."
Although Son Heung-min's prolonged silence under the changed tactics had raised concerns, his performance against Seattle renewed hope. MLS Moves also pointed out, "Son Heung-min sometimes looks rusty and makes mistakes. But the return of his speed is something Korean fans would have wanted to see ahead of the World Cup."
The outlet also said, "With the World Cup three weeks away, Son Heung-min's energy level seemed to be rising. He will be a big help to the team at the World Cup," and predicted that Son would perform well on the North and Central America World Cup stage.
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